As it is practiced today, agriculture is one of the biggest environmental offenders – yet it is necessary for our survival. Agriculture contributes one-third of greenhouse gas emissions, uses 70% of freshwater resources, and harms wildlife through conversion and fragmentation of biodiversity-rich habitats, water diversions, pesticide poisoning and creation of oceanic dead zones.

The all-American diet consisting of hot dogs, burgers and buns washed down with a sweet, cold beverage has taken a toll on the environment and on our health. Since diet, nutrition and the overall health of the planet are inextricably linked, experts are calling for a “transformative change in our food systems.”

Between 1961 and 2019, global population increased from 3.1 to 7.7 billion, cereal production from 880 to 2,900 million tons, and per capita cereal production from 284 to 376 kg. This uniquely impressive agronomic accomplishment – widely known as the “Borlaug Effect” – saved hundreds of millions from starvation.